FEAR GOD READING PLAN

These readings explore the biblical authors talking about the mystery and holiness of God. There are 10 readings because we take a break from the series on May 4th and that gives us more opportunities to hear from the Bible.

1. Exodus 3 & 4:1-17

   Imagine being a “fly on the wall” (or nearby rock) watching this all play out. What did you notice? (Audio: Exodus 3, Exodus 4)

2. Isaiah 40 & optionally Isaiah 55

   How would this sound to you if you were kicked out of your country and felt abandoned by God? What do you think about this God?  (Audio: Isaiah 40, 55)

3. Leviticus 19

   To be “holy” is to be “set apart”. Here are some expectations from God for how his chosen people (the ancient Israelites) are to reflect his holiness (the ways in which they are “set apart” from everyone else). How do these expectations strike you? (Audio)

4. Matthew 17:1-13

   We’ve talked about this passage recently. Jesus shows who he truly is to some of his closest followers. What do you notice about who he really is and how he interacts with his closest followers? (Audio)

5. Colossians 1:1-23

   Paul breaks into poetry to get across who Jesus is (15-20). If Jesus is “the image of God”, how do the stories of and by Jesus help you understand who God is? (Audio)

6. Revelation 4

   John is given a sneak peek into God’s throne room. Is this a quiet room, or is there someone important there? What would it be like to be an observer in the room?

7. Isaiah 6

   This is Isaiah’s commission with a similar peek into God’s throne room, and look how he responds. Does this make sense to you? (Listen here)

8. Ezekiel 1 & 2

   This is Ezekiel’s commission with another peek into God’s throne room. How do you imagine you would respond? (Listen here: Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 2)

9. Luke 15

   The story of the prodigal son. Is this father the same one you had a peek at in the throne room? Would you like to have a father who loves you like this? You do! Or do you imagine yourself more like the elder son? (Listen here and have a look at Rembrandt’s painting here)

10. John 14

    What does Jesus say to Philip (poor Philip!)? Reflect on Jesus going around and interacting with people - is this how you imagine the father? (Listen here)

God is God and we are not. He is “Holy” - completely unique and set apart from us and our world. “Holiness” is not a common word today. What did the Bible writers mean? You will find this 6 minute video helpful for this week’s readings.

1. Genesis 1:1-2:3

   God is “unique, powerful and the source of life”. What happens when he speaks?  (Listen here: Genesis 1, Genesis 2 ). If you want to dig deeper, this 7 minute video might help you appreciate Genesis 1 even more.

2. Job 38 & 40:1-5

Job spends some chapters complaining that God is not running the world correctly (can you identify with Job?). Now God answers Job and asks him how much he really knows. Do you sense Job experiencing God’s holiness? (Listen here Job 38 Job 40). If you find this all very confusing and want to dig deeper, here’s an article that might help (11 minutes).

1. Psalm 18:1-33

   After David is rescued, he composes a poem. Does any of the throne room language sound familiar? Could you ever see yourself writing a poem like this? (Listen here)

2. 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31

   Paul claims that God’s power is shown in (what looks like) a spectacular loss: death on a Roman cross. That seems crazy. Do you ever wonder if you might be missing how God is showing his power? (Listen here)

3. Ephesians 1: 15-23

   Apparently Paul thinks its easy to miss God’s power, because he prays that the Ephesians will understand it. Is that a worthy prayer for you and the people around you? (Listen here)

We close out this week with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Four adventurous children enter a land called Narnia, slowly hear rumors about and catch glimpses of Aslan, the king of Narnia. Early on, Lucy (one of the four) asks Mr. & Mrs. Beaver about Aslan.

“Is he a man?” asked Lucy.

“Aslan a man!” said Mr. Beaver sternly. “Certainly not. I tell you he is King of the wood and the son of the great emperor-beyond-the-sea. Don’t you know who is the King of the Beasts? Aslan is a lion – The Lion, The Great Lion.”

“Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Eventually, the children come to know Aslan for themselves. Aslan has “great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes” which cause the children to go “all trembly.” Going “all trembly” seems about right when encountering holiness.

God isn’t called “God”. God has a name. In our readings this week, we explore the stories where God reveals his name. We have bonus reading this week!

1. Leviticus 6:4-5

   This is the Shema which observant Jews recite every morning and evening. “LORD” in all caps is how most English translations render Yahweh (but not all, for example Lexham). How does using Yahweh’s real name feel (compared to his title - kind of like “your president”). Out of respect for his holiness, Jews did not say his name, Yahweh, out loud. (Listen here) If you want to go deeper, check out this 4 minute video.

2. Exodus 34:1-11

   This is where God describes his own character. It's always better to listen to who he says he is, than for us to make up who he is. We’re going to spend lots of time here later in the series. See if you can memorize vs. 6 & 7. (Listen here)

3. Exodus 20:1-21

   The Israelites get to Mount Sinai (chapter 19) and begin their one year stay here to get to know God. God starts by saying who he is. Note how similar it is to Exodus 34 (Listen here). 

4. Proverbs 1

   The bible talks a lot about wisdom - apparently she was there when the world was created (Proverbs 8)! How do you become wise? Self-help books? Where does v7 say to start? What does v27 say if you don’t? (v27-32) What do you think of this word “fear?”. Stay tuned, we’ll keep talking about it. (Listen here)

5. Psalm 25 - To know someone and their character deeply is to “know their heart”. David is described as someone “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22). Here’s how David talks to Yahweh. Do you know Yahweh like this? Can you pray these words from your heart? (Listen here)

6. Matthew 6:5-13 - Jesus goes even further than “Yahweh” and calls God “Father” (which you can understand) and invites us to also call Yahweh “Father”. Think back to the Exodus stories - how do you feel calling the Yahweh of Exodus “Father”? Note the next line - our heart’s desire is that his name will be considered holy. Is that your heart’s desire? Does this conflict with “Father” for you? (Starting in September, we will be digging to the Sermon the Mount in a big way. Teaser: this prayer is at the very center (of the center) of the sermon on the mount.) (Listen here)

Recognizing Yahweh is the Lord of all.

1. Isaiah 42:1-9

   The first part describes how Jesus will act and the second part how God acts. (Listen here)

2. Psalm 82

   Biblical writers describe a heavenly realm where spiritual beings (elohim) live, and an earthly realm where humans live. Here, Asaph describes God being very unhappy with the performance of his divine council (or staff team). (Listen here). If this is all weird, this 5 minute video might help.

3. Exodus 15:1-18

   Pharaoh was understood as the human incarnation of the Egyptian god. So Israel escaping the pharaoh was also a battle between the “authorities of the unseen world” (See Ephesians 6:12). Do you get a sense of that in our world? Compare to Exodus 15:2 “Yahweh … this is my God, and I will praise him”. (Listen here) 

4. Mark 9:14-29

   Another uncomfortable story about spirits and demons. Who is clearly the boss? (Similar to Exodus 15). Who do you put your trust in? (Listen here). If this story is also puzzling to you, maybe this 6 minute video will help. 

5. 1 Corinthians 10

   Do you sense the tension between deep freedom and respectful awe. Does it draw you in or repel you? Does this tension influence the decisions in your life? (Listen here)

This week we start our focus on Exodus 34:6-7 with the first two words “Compassion” (Hebrew Rakhum) and “Gracious” (Hebrew Khanun or Khen). To get an idea of what the Bible writers mean by “Compassion” and how it's related to “womb”, check out this 5 minute video. And to get an idea of what the Bible writers mean by Gracious, check out this 4 minute video.

1. Exodus 34:6–7

   Here’s where God describes himself to Moses and its a great foundation for knowing Yahweh. Do you feel the tension between 6 & 7? This tension is carefully laid out and this 6 minute video might help you appreciate these verses even more. Memorize these verses so you can repeat them and meditate on them (if you didn’t in week 3). (Listen here)

2. Psalm 103

   David has clearly meditated on Exodus 34:6-7 and riffs on it here (Do you think he had it memorized?). Do you sense David’s love for and amazement of Yahweh? Can you identify with this poem? (Listen here)

3. Matthew 9:35–38

   Jesus is busy going around, teaching, healing and getting in conflict with the religious establishment. Matthew wants you to know that amidst the business he sees the people are “distressed and downcast” and so has compassion on them. Is that the kind leader you can trust?  (Listen here)

4. Exodus 33:12–23

   Jeff covered this passage on May 11. Remember the conversation Moses has with God. And God relents. Given the circumstances, do you think God agreeing to accompany them is an undeserved gift? (Listen here)

5. Ephesians 2:1–10

   Paul describes how we were all given an undeserved gift. Certainly Paul knows yesterday’s passage. Does it feel somewhat parallel to you? (Listen here)

6. John 8:1-11

   When Jesus interacted with people, he often gave them undeserved favour. What do you think of Jesus' reaction to the woman (note that no one seems to dispute that the affair happened). (Listen here)

This week is about God’s character “long of nostril”. In our culture, “your nose is long” often refers to Pinocchio’s lying, so I’m glad the translators helped us! Here’s a great “slow to anger” word study video (5 min). As you read the passages this week, do you notice any difference between what makes Yahweh angry and what usually makes you angry? Do you notice any difference in how long it takes Yahweh to act and how long it takes you to act on anger?

1. Numbers 14

   When the Israelites come to the border of the promised land, twelve men are sent undercover to do reconnaissance (Numbers 13). They come back reporting  a great land with powerful people and most have forgotten they have God on their side. We pick the story up on Numbers 14. Note how Moses reminds Yahweh he is slow to anger. Ultimately God gives them what they want. Does this seem “slow to anger” and just to you? (listen here)

2. Jonah 3 & 4

   We’ve covered this story a few times now. Note how, compared to Moses in Numbers 14, Jonah throws back in God’s face that he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger. (listen here) On Sunday Brad pointed out what happened 150 years later (Nahum 1).

3. Romans 2:1–4

   Jonah is God’s kindness to Nineveh, and the Ninevites choose to repent. In Romans 2, Paul says that God’s kindness leads to repentance - and stops us from being judgy people. (listen here)

4. Nehemiah 9

   A small group of Israelites have gone back to Palestine to rebuild. They read the Torah (Nehemiah 8) and recognize how much they and their ancestors have strayed. They say out loud how they missed the mark and ask for God’s forgiveness. They recount the whole history of Israel to this day, recounting how Yahweh is compassionate and gracious and slow to anger. This causes them to seriously recommit to following Yahweh (Nehemiah 10). Does contemplating Yahweh being compassionate, gracious and slow to anger also cause you to commit again to following Yahweh? (listen here)

5. 2 Peter 3

   Peter seems to be responding to a group of people who think Jesus should already have returned. He does not hide that God will act. Twice he says that God is being patient. Does this remind you of Exodus 34:6-7? Are you grateful for Yahweh’s patience, or irritated by it? (listen here)

God’s loyal love and covenant faithfulness never fail.

1. Psalm 136

   On Sunday we heard the Hebrew word  “khesed” is notoriously difficult to translate into English. “Khesed” combines the ideas of unconditional love, generosity, and enduring commitment. Here, in Psalm 136, every other line is a response affirming Yahweh’s “khesed”. (listen here) To get a better picture of “khesed”, watch this 5-minute video. If you’d like to hear it in Hebrew (with English subtitles), try here (note that the word “chasdo” is “His khesed”). What would cause you to sing a song like this?

2. Ruth 3

   Best to read the whole book, but if you know it, chapter 3 will do. Ruth is an expression of loyal love. Ruth promises to stay by Naomi’s side and take care of her. And as other people watch Ruth keep this promise over time, they call it an act of “khesed” (vs 10-11). That’s the kind of loyal love Yahweh shows.  Listen here. Do you, like Ruth, want to be known for your “loyal love”?

3. Psalm 89:1–14

   The other Hebrew word we looked at on Sunday was “emet” which is translated with words like “faithful,” “reliable,” “sure,” “trustworthy,” and “amen.” (check out this 5-minute video for more). Psalm 89 celebrates Yahweh’s faithfulness (“emet”). In verse 14 both “khesed” and “emet” are used - a common pairing pointing back to Exodus 34:6. (listen here). Do you experience Yahweh as faithful, reliable, sure, trustworthy? Does this deserve an “amen”?

4. Hosea 11

   God famously asks Hosea to marry a prostitute and raise children of unknown fathers, to show people how he feels: he is faithful and they are not. In 4:1 Yahweh laments There is no truth (emet), no mercy (khesed), and no knowledge of God in the land. In chapter 11 Yahweh describes his pain and yet says he will remain faithful. (listen here). Do you know anyone with this kind of faithfulness?

5. John 1:1–18

   Jesus is Yahweh moving into the neighborhood. John describes Jesus as “full of grace and truth”, or in The Message version "'Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” Do you experience Jesus as full of grace and truth? How are you doing at mirroring grace and truth? (listen here)

God forgives sin and does not ignore justice.

1. Psalm 32

   As The Message translates it: “Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be — you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.” Does the rest of the Psalm resonate with your experience? If so, do you find it amazing that in spite of how our world has changed, the experience of a Yahweh follower 2500 years ago can be so similar to yours? (listen here)

2. Micah 7

   Echoes of Exodus 34:6. As The Message (again!) translates the trust in Yahweh’s character (v18-20) “You don’t nurse your anger and don’t stay angry long, for mercy is your specialty. That’s what you love most.” What does this stir up in you? (Note the comparison to “the other gods” - remember week 4, June 1.) (Listen here). Since we are in Micah, note that the famous Micah 6:8 says what God really wants is for you to be an image of God’s character.

3. Matthew 18:23-35

   Ever wonder what forgiveness looks like when Yahweh is in charge? The king forgives a debt worth 60 million days wages! Jesus seems to say that if you really get it, you will naturally act mercifully to your fellow image bearers… more on this tomorrow. (listen here) How do you react to this story? Do you get angry? (David had a similar reaction to a story he was told - 2 Samuel 12).

4. Matthew 6:9-14

   The Lord’s prayer. Near the end, Jesus advises us to ask our dad to overlook the times we missed the mark and were disappointing, and we promise to do the same for our fellow image bearers. (listen here) Jesus advises that if we aren’t used to forgiving, we will struggle to accept God’s mercy (check out this article). Do you find it hard to accept and feel God’s mercy? In the fall we will dive deep into the sermon on the mount - so stay tuned!

5. Isaiah 53

   Jesus come to earth is the climax of the story of Yahweh’s loyal love, steadfastness. This poem describes how the suffering servant would / has absorbed all our messed-up-ness. Jesus didn’t just teach forgiveness (like we saw in the last few days), he is forgiveness. (listen here) How does this poem sit with you? Does it make you feel thankful? Uncomfortable? What would you say back to Yahweh?

The 20th century was the bloodiest in human history: 150-200 million people were killed as a result of wars, genocides (Holocaust, Stalin, Mao, Khmer Rouge) and ethnic cleansings, terrorism and insurgencies. That’s about the same number as all the people on earth at the time of Jesus. If you aren’t angry about that, it's because you don’t understand. And if you are angry, you want real justice. Perhaps there is another injustice which affects you deeply - think back to an injustice or horror that turned your stomach. Keep that in mind as we go through this week’s readings. Although it's terribly uncomfortable if you are not involved, God promises that he won’t ignore injustice, and this should be comforting.

1. Exodus 34:1-7 (again!)

   Imagine Moses going up the mountain in the morning with the replacement set of stone tablets, and Yahweh delivering on his promise to show himself to Moses. He does more, he also describes himself to Moses, and we are now into the last part of the description.  This 6 minute video highlights the intended tension between “slow to anger” in vs. 6 and “yet he won’t declare innocent the guilty” in vs. 7. And the contrast between “thousands” and “the third and fourth”. Do you see “the sins of the fathers” repeated in subsequent generations? (listen here) 

2. Psalm 58

   David is angry because all the rulers, kings and leaders are corrupt. He wants and trusts that God will deliver justice. (listen here) How do David’s words sit with you? Or what about the opposite: “honesty doesn’t pay” or “no good deed goes unpunished”. Do these make you angry? 

3. Amos 5:7-24

   Warning - this is harsh. God wants us to practice justice and fairness more than he wants us to sing or give money to the church. (listen here). How do you react to Amos’ message? Was that for another time and people? Can you reconcile Amos 5 with Exodus 34:6? Do you see reflecting God’s justice as part of our job as image-bearers?

4. Luke 18:1-8

   Yahweh will listen to his people’s cry for justice. Have you found yourself, like the widow in the story who was denied justice, pestering God to act against injustice? (listen here)

5. Isaiah 30

   The first part describes the natural consequences of Israel choosing a different approach from God’s intent and the second (vs 18) describes God’s justice for those who trust him. In The Great Divorce C.S. Lewis famously said “In the end, there are two kinds of people. Those who say to God ‘Thy will be done’ and those to whom God says ‘thy will be done’ “. (listen here)

Where do we go from here? The Yahweh who spoke to Moses in the burning bush and again on Sinai, wants us to have a personal relationship with him and to image him in how we live our lives with others.

1. Genesis 1

   The climax of the first page of the Bible is the making of humans. From the beginning, humans are made in God's image—blessed and given a purpose to steward creation. (Listen here) How are you doing at “imaging” God?

2. Psalm 63

   David is described as someone after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14). In this poem David describes his longing to pursue and be with Yahweh. (listen here) Does this sound a little like Moses in Exodus 33 when he asks to see Yahweh? Is this a poem you resonate with? Why or why not?

3. Galatians 5

   Compare the fruit of the spirit to Exodus 34:6-7. What do you notice is the same and what is different? (listen here)

4. Leviticus 19:1–18

   God’s people are called to reflect His holiness in practical, ethical living - honesty, justice, and love for neighbour. (listen here). Does this resonate with you?

5. John 13:12–17; 34–35

   Jesus, the perfect image of God, models humble service and commands us to follow His example in love. All of chapter 13 is amazing because Jesus  knows he doesn’t have a lot of time left and chooses to focus on “love each other”. (listen here)

Congratulations! You made it through the reading plan. Hopefully the Sunday and home group focus on God’s character as He describes it to us has drawn you closer to him, and helped in your apprenticeship to Jesus.